Is your vendor a top home health software solution?

Is your vendor a top home health software solution?2017-07-012018-01-22https://www.devero.com/wp-content/uploads/200x70_devero_logo_final.pngDeverohttps://www.devero.com/wp-content/uploads/doctor-holding-tablet-for-search-information-patient-1.jpg200px200px

How to identify the best home health solution (EMR or EHR) for your agency

Ever since home health became a Medicare benefit, technology went along hand-in-hand. As a healthcare program with complex scheduling and billing requirements paired with a mobile workforce, home health under Medicare was ripe for opportunities in streamlining and gains efficiency that only a software technology solution could provide.

Nearly 25 years later, the industry is mature, but home health software solutions continue to “pop up”. Simultaneously, solutions that dominated the landscape just 15 years ago have seen their market share erode. Countless solutions have disappeared while others continue to struggle with the ever-changing environment. Many solutions started as a “home-grown” software while others were developed for other industries and enhanced to serve the home care solution.

In 2017, there were still nearly 80 vendors with home health software solutions out there. Many are regional, some are home-grown, and others are national.

With so many choices, how can you tell those who offer the best home health software solution? Here are some tips:

The vendor demonstrates though leadership in the home care industry

The best home health vendors are the ones who have a voice in the industry. In the Internet Age, it’s easy to spot those who exemplify thought leadership and separate themselves as industry leaders. The most obvious spot to look is the company website. Look for industry webinars and articles on their blog. Is their content timely and on-the-mark? Does it address agency pain points? If so, this is a sign of a vendor that has it’s fingers on the pulse of the industry.

They understand home health agency pain points

When you examine the content mentioned above, look for articles and webinars that address your pain points. In 2018, this means the Medicare Conditions of Participation, HHGM, attracting and retaining clinical staff, Value-Based Care and finding a place with healthcare networks, referral source relationships, interoperablity, and declining reimbursement. If you see content around these topics, there is a good chance the vendor is in touch with the pain points of home health agencies.

The vendor innovates beyond regulatory requirement

All vendors should meet regulatory requirements in a timely manner. From a development perspective, CMS often announces major regulatory changes with short notice, creating uncertainty. From ICD10 to the new Home Health Conditions of Participation

The sales people understand home health, home care, and hospice

As you engage with the sales account executive, discuss the industry with them. Do they have an understanding of your needs or are they just trying to sell you? Are they passionate about the industry? More importantly- are they passionate about their solution? As them for their favorite “success story”.

Success stories are the key. If the vendor can point to their favorite client stories, that will give you an indication of the condition of the vendor. If the client is lukewarm and shows no similarities to your agency, ask for another. If they can’t produce more, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Robert Love joined the home care and hospice community in 2001, straight out of graduate school in California, where he earned his MBA at UC Davis. Since then, he's ventured into the technology side, where he channels his passion for home care and hospice at Netsmart.